India

PM Modi Visits Oman’s 300-Yr-Old Temple, Boards Plane for Delhi

By The Quint

February 12, 2018 at 02:55 PM IST

PM Modi Set to Leave For West Asia-UAE Bilateral Visit on 9 Feb

PM Modi will be visiting Palestine, United Arab Emirates and Oman from 9 to 12 February.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a Facebook post on Thursday that the Gulf and West Asian region was a key priority in India’s external engagement and his trip was aimed at strengthening ties with the region.

PM Modi said his visit will begin from Palestine on February 10 after transiting through Jordan.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 3:09 PM

Modi Set to be First-Ever Indian PM To Visit Palestine

Noting that this would be the first-ever prime ministerial visit to Palestine from India, Modi said he was looking forward to his discussions with President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirming India's support for the Palestinian people and the development of Palestine.

Updated at: February 09, 2018 at 9:04 AM

PM Modi to Transit via Jordan

PM Modi is scheduled to meet Jordan’s King Abdullah II on 9 February. He expressed his gratitude to the royal for facilitating the transit.

Updated at: February 09, 2018 at 9:04 AM

Modi To Discuss Ways to Bolster Business With Leading CEOs on UAE Visit

PM Modi will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 10-11 February. Describing the country as a "valued strategic partner", Modi said that India has fast-tracked cooperation with the UAE in all major spheres, including economy, energy, high technology and security.

"I will be discussing our progress in these areas and more in my meetings with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi," Modi said in his post.

He will also address the 6th edition of the World Government Summit in Dubai, where India is the guest country.

During the visit, PM Modi will engage with leading UAE and Arab CEOs in Dubai on the vast economic opportunities in India.

Updated at: February 09, 2018 at 9:04 AM

PM Modi to Visit 'Maritime Neighbour' Oman During Last Leg of Trip

Noting that Oman was a close maritime neighbour with whom India enjoys excellent relations, Modi said in the last leg of his trip from February 11-12, he will visit the country for the first time as prime minister and will hold talks with the Sultan of Oman and other key leaders.

The prime minister said that on the evening of 11 February, he will meet the Sultan of Oman. Modi said he will also meet Deputy Prime Minister for the Council of Ministers Sayyid Fahd bin Mahmoud Al Said and Deputy Prime Minister for International Relations and Cooperation Affairs Sayyid Asa'ad bin Tariq Al Said, during his visit.

“I shall also interact with leading businesspersons of Oman on developing stronger economic and business links with India,” the prime minister said.

Updated at: February 09, 2018 at 9:04 AM

PM Modi Leaves for 3-Nation Visit

Prime Minister Modi has left for his three-nation visit to Palestine, Oman and the UAE.

This is PM Modi's first visit to the country and also the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years. India and Jordan enjoy friendly ties since diplomatic relations were established in 1950.

Updated at: February 09, 2018 at 8:17 PM

Prime Minister Meets King of Jordan

After being received by the the Prime Minister of Jordan on his arrival in Amman, PM Narendra Modi met with the King of Jordan Abdullah II at his residence.

King Abdullah II described the meeting as the beginning of a new chapter in our ties. PM expressed sincere thanks for logistical support extended for smooth facilitation for his Palestine visit.

Ministry of External Affairs

He also interacted with the Indian community in Amman.

Updated at: February 09, 2018 at 9:35 PM

PM Modi Accorded Ceremonial Guard of Honour in Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded the ceremonial guard of honour at Al-Muqata'a, the compound of the presidential headquarters, in Palestine's Ramallah.

Before that, the PM also laid the wreath at the Mausoleum of late President Yasser Arafat.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 2:35 PM

Watch: PM Narendra Modi Reaches Ramallah, Palestine

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ramallah on a historic visit to Palestine during which he will meet President Mahmoud Abbas and reaffirm India's support for the Palestinian people.

Modi, the first Indian PM to make an official visit to Palestine, flew in a Jordanian army helicopter straight from Amman to Ramallah, where he was received by his Palestinian counterpart Rami Hamdallah. Prime Minister Modi's chopper was escorted by choppers from Israel Air Force, reported PTI.

"This is a historic visit that will lead to stronger bilateral cooperation," Modi said shortly after landing.

President Abbas also received Prime Minister Modi in the official ceremony at the presidential headquarters in Ramallah before starting official talks.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 3:11 PM

Palestine President Honours PM Modi With the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine

Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and conferred him with the Grand Collar of the state of Palestine in a recognition of Modi’s contribution towards relations between India and Palestine, President Abbas conferred the Grand Collar of the State of Palestine on him after the conclusion of the bilateral meeting. The Grand Collar is Highest order given to foreign dignitaries.

Commendation of the Grand Collar reads:

In recognition of his wise leadership, lofty national and international stature, In appreciation of his efforts to promote historic relations between Palestine and India, In acknowledgement of his support to our people’s right to freedom so peace prevails in region

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 3:29 PM

PM Modi and President Mahmoud Abbas Speak Post Exchange of Agreements

PM Modi and Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the press after witnessing the exchange of agreements between India and Palestine in Ramallah. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas took the stage first, as he welcomed PM Modi on his first visit to Palestine.

It is my honour to welcome you as a great guest, on your first historic visit to Palestine which holds, to you personally and to the people of india, sentiments of love and appreciation. Indian leadership has always stood by peace in Palestine.

Mahmoud Abbas, President, Palestine

Abbas further asserted on the commitment of both nations on achieving their national goals towards freedom.

"Here I would like to assert our commitment to political action and negotiations as means of achieving our national goals to freedom and independence in accordance with the two states' relation along the lines of 1967," Abbas said.

We have said and we will say that we are ready to engage in negotiations. We rely on India’s role as an international force and its role in the non-alignment movement and in the international fora, in a way that is conducive to desired peace in our region.

After President Abbas spoke about the relations among both nations, Prime Minister Modi took the stage. Modi began by thanking the Palestinian President on behalf of all Indians for the Grand Collar. “I thank you on behalf of all Indians for this”, Modi said.

PM Modi further ascertained that Palestine has been on top priority on India’s foreign policy and that the relations among both countries have stood the test of times.

People of Palestine have continuously shown exemplary courage in extremely tough times, in spite of the fact that there was an unstable environment. The way you moved forward in such a situation is praiseworthy, we appreciate it.

Narendra Modi

He also praised Palestinian people on how they have gone through tough times by showing courage.

Further, PM Modi laid out his plans for Palestine. He told the people that India is aiding construction of an Institute of Diplomacy in Palestine. "I am happy that we are moving forward with our developmental corporation forward during this visit”, he said.

PM Modi also said that he will be doubling the amount of exchange students from this year, taking it to 100 from 50.

I have assured President Abbas that India is bound by a promise to take care of Palestinian people’s interests. India hopes that soon Palestine will come a free country in a peaceful manner.

Calling for peace in the region, PM Modi asserted that only diplomacy and farsightedness can solve the problem of Palestine.

We hope for peace and stability in Palestine, we believe a permanent solution is possible with dialogue. Only diplomacy and farsightedness can set free from violence & baggage of the past. We know it is not easy but we need to keep trying as a lot is at stake.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 6:36 PM

PM Modi Leaves for Jordan From Palestine's Ramallah

PM Modi departs for Jordan.

After concluding his bilateral meeting with the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has departed for Jordan from Plaestine’s Ramallah to mark the end of the first part of his three-nation visit.

The prime minister is on a three-nation visit where he will be visiting Palestine, UAE and Oman to discuss external engagement and multi-dimensional ties with the countries.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 5:31 PM

PM Modi Lands In Abu Dhabi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Abu Dhabi on Saturday after wrapping up his visit in Palestine, continuing his three-nation visit.

PM Modi also attended a ceremonial reception held for him in the capital of UAE.

PM Modi will visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque on 12 February and attend the community event at Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex on 11 February.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 9:44 PM

PM Modi to Speak from the Royal Box in Sultan Qaboos Stadium

The Royal Box in the Sultan Qaboos stadium is used by the Sultan of Oman only and PM Modi will be the first foreign dignitary who will be speaking from the box upon his visit.

Prime Minister will be speaking from the royal box in Sultan Qaboos stadium. Royal box is used by his majesty Sultan Qaboos only and Modi will be the first visiting dignitary who is being given an honour of addressing the community from the box.

Indra Mani Pandey, Indian Ambassador to Oman

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 9:44 PM

PM Modi, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Presented with Temple Literature

PM Modi will be inaugurating a temple while on his visit to Abu Dhabi. The Members of Committee of the temple which will be inaugurated by the PM have presented literature on the temple to PM Modi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan led delegation level talks in the UAE capital, as a part of the bilateral meeting.

5 government-to-government MoUs between India and UAE have been signed in the presence of PM Narendra Modi and the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan after the delegation level talks.

The MoUs are related to energy sector, railways, manpower and financial services.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 10:30 PM

Ministry of External Affairs Lays Out the MoUs Signed Between India and Abu Dhabi

Here is what all the Memorandums of Understanding are:

To deepen bilateral cooperation in the field of finance, an MoU between Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) was signed and exchanged. It aims at enhancing cooperation between both the countries in financial services industry.

An MoU for Technical Cooperation in Rail Sector was also signed between Ministry of Railways, India and Federal Transport Authority - Land & Maritime of UAE. The MoU aims at cooperation in Infrastructure sector especially Railways.

To cooperate in the field of Manpower, India and UAE have signed an MoU aiming to institutionalise collaborative administration of contractual employment of Indian workers in UAE.

MoU between Indian Consortium & ADNOC was signed for acquisition of 10% participating interest in offshore Lower Zakum Concession from 2018 to 2057, It is the first Indian Investment in upstream oil sector of UAE, transforming buyer-seller relationship to long-term investor relationship.

Updated at: February 10, 2018 at 11:17 PM

Modi Addresses Indian Community in Dubai

In an address to the Indian community in Dubai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked the gulf countries for being a home away from home to almost 30 lakh Indians. He also thanked the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for allotting allotted about 14 acres (55,000 sqm) in Abu Dhabi for the construction the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha temple in Abu Dhabi, which will be the first Hindu stone temple to be constructed in the Middle East.

Modi laid the foundation stone of the project on Sunday, 11 February. The temple is expected to be completed by 2020. In its structure, it will resemble the Akshardham temple located in New Delhi. BAPS manages around 1200 temples in several other countries across the world.

I believe this temple will not be only unique in terms of architecture and splendour, but will also give a message of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ to people across the world.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi said that although India’s leap in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is noteworthy, the country will have to do better yet.

India’s leap in World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Rankings from 142 to 100 is unprecedented. But we are not satisfied at this, we want to do better. We will do whatever it takes to make it possible.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

“I assure you that we will work together to bring to reality the dreams you see, here and in India,” he told members of the Indian community.

Updated at: February 11, 2018 at 6:31 PM

PM Modi Delivers Keynote Address at World Government Summit in Dubai

PM Narendra Modi delivered the keynote address at the inauguration of the World Government Summit in Dubai on Sunday, 11 February.

In his speech, the PM sold India’s tech prowess and IT industry.

Technology is changing at the speed of thoughts. Technology has empowered the common man. Even after all the development, poverty and malnutrition still have not been eliminated. On the other side we’re investing in missiles and bombs. We have to be alert and use technology as a means to development and not destruction.

Updated at: February 11, 2018 at 6:31 PM

Muscat Welcomes Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Oman's Muscat on Sunday, 11 February. He was received by Deputy Prime Minister for Council of Ministers of Oman Sayyid Fahd Bin Mahmoud Al Said.

This is the last leg of his three-nation trip.

Updated at: February 11, 2018 at 7:02 PM

PM Modi Addresses Indian Community in Muscat, Oman

On Sunday evening, PM landed in Oman’s capital Muscat where he addressed the Indian diaspora.

Updated at: February 12, 2018 at 3:18 AM

PM Modi Meets Sultan Qaboos, Signs 8 Agreements With Oman

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Sultan of Oman signed eight agreements, including pacts on cooperation in the field of defence, health and tourism.

The two sides discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence, security, food security and regional issues.

After their talks, the two sides signed eight agreements, including an MoU on legal and judicial cooperation in civil and commercial matters.

They also signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports and an MoU on cooperation in the field of health, tourism and peaceful uses of outer space.

The two countries also signed an agreement on cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Oman's Diplomatic Institute.

An MoU on academic and scholarly cooperation between National Defence College, Sultanate of Oman and the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses.

The two sides also signed annexutre to the MoU on military cooperation.

Updated at: February 12, 2018 at 2:56 AM

Modi to End Tour With Visit to Shiva Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to end his four-day West Asia tour with a visit to a Shiv temple and the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. The temple is reportedly 300 years old.

He will also interact with CEOs and meet the deputy PMs of Oman Sayyed Fahad and Sayyed Asad, before departing for.

Updated at: February 12, 2018 at 10:40 AM

India Attractive Destination to Do Business: Modi in Oman

PM Narendra Modi attended India-Oman business meeting in Muscat, pitching India as an attractive destination to do business.

PM Modi Offers Prayers at Temple in Oman

PM Narendra Modi offered his prayers at a 300-year-old Shiv temple in Oman. He also met members of the Indian community outside the temple.

Updated at: February 12, 2018 at 1:26 PM

PM Modi Emplanes For Delhi

PM Narendra Modi emplaned for New Delhi, following his visit to the Shiv Temple, thus wrapping up his four-day tour to West Asia.

Updated at: February 12, 2018 at 2:55 PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi kick-started his historic Palestine tour on Saturday, 10 February with a visit to the Yasser Arafat memorial in Ramallah, where he paid tribute to the late leader. Modi is the first Indian PM to visit Palestine.

After wrapping up his Palestine visit, Modi arrived in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)’s capital Abu Dhabi on Saturday, 10 February. In the UAE, he addressed the Indian community and delivered the keynote address at the World Government Summit in Dubai.

On Sunday evening, PM landed in Oman’s capital Muscat where he addressed the Indian diaspora and met the Sultan of Oman, where they discussed measures to strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, energy, defence, security, food security and regional issues.

Modi reached Oman on Sunday evening, met with the Sultan and signed 8 agreements

Modi addressed the 6th edition of the World Government Summit in UAE on Sunday, 11 February